Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe delivers perfectly juicy and tender chicken with a crispy skin and rich homemade barbecue sauce. The drumsticks are seasoned with a flavorful spice mix, baked until golden, then glazed with a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce and finished in the oven for a beautiful caramelized finish. Ideal for a delicious family dinner or casual gathering, these drumsticks offer mouthwatering smoky-sweet flavor and an easy baking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2-3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In a large bowl, combine olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper to create a flavorful seasoning paste.
- Season the Drumsticks: Toss the dried drumsticks in the seasoning mixture, using your hands to coat each piece evenly. Arrange the drumsticks spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Initial Bake: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, until they are nearly cooked through and the skin begins to crisp and turn golden brown. The aroma will be inviting as they cook.
- Make the BBQ Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and optional liquid smoke in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Glaze and Finish: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared BBQ sauce, reserving some for serving. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be glossy and slightly charred in spots.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked BBQ chicken drumsticks rest for 5 minutes out of the oven to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with extra warmed BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is essential for crispy skin.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the seasoning for desired heat level.
- Liquid smoke in the BBQ sauce adds smoky depth but is optional.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to one week.
